Teens learn leadership skills through community service and education.
It’s no secret that teens learn leadership skills through community service. Many respected young people have gained insight into how to be good leaders through performing various community service jobs. James L. Hodges wrote this article found on the Air Mobility Command, featuring teenagers who have worked very hard to make life better for others and have earned a very special trip to the Boys and Girls Clubs of America 2012 Keystone Conference in Ft.Worth, Tx.
Teens Learn Leadership Skills Through Community Service
AMC teens learn life lessons, leadership skills with Keystone program
In 2012, having a place for teenagers to go is no different than it has ever been – it’s a “keystone” in their growing up years. That’s why Air Mobility Command has the Keystone program in conjunction with the Boys and Girls Clubs of America.
“Keystone is a place where you can come and hang out with people who are close to your age but it’s also a place where you can come out and help a community as well,” said Camille Parker, a Keystone teen in the 10th grade at Mascoutah High School.
Parker is a member of the Boys and Girls Clubs of America Keystone program, a leadership development experience for teens ages 14 to 18. According to its Website, Keystone clubs “aim to have a positive impact on members, the club and community by focusing on academic success, career preparations and community service.”
The Keystone club at Scott AFB meets Wednesdays at 4:30 p.m. to discuss upcoming business such as community service events and fundraisers, said Debbie Stewart, a Keystone adult advisor with the 375th Force Support Squadron.
“We also network and come up with ideas of where the club is going and where we would like to be,” said Stewart.
The program, available at all Air Mobility Command bases, is important for youth development and helps to defy stereotypes that many people have regarding teens, officials say.
“The teens are hungry for a sense of belonging and they enjoy working with their peers to reach a common goal,” said Stewart. “These could very well be areas that the teens would not be involved in without Keystone.
When teens learn leadership skills through community service, the lessons stick with them and make them into stronger more involved adults. They gain skills that they will use for the rest of their lives. I also believe that participating in community service strengthens character and teaches everyone to appreciate what they have.
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